March is the sweet spot of the French Alps ski season. Snow has been accumulating since December, days are getting longer, terraces are filling up — and once the French school holidays end in mid-February, prices drop sharply. Whether you are chasing fresh powder or a last hurrah on the slopes before spring, March delivers. But snow quality changes fast: early March feels like deep winter, while late March demands careful resort selection if you want cold snow rather than the heavy spring slush. Here is everything you need to know, plus our top 10 resorts for skiing in March.
❄️ Key points:
- March is statistically the month with the deepest snowpack in the French Alps — snow accumulated since December without significant melting.
- After the French February school holidays, accommodation prices fall significantly — often by 30–50% compared to peak season.
- For the best snow conditions throughout the month, choose resorts above 1,800 m with north-facing runs.
- Late March requires more care: target high-altitude domains (summit above 2,500 m) and north-facing aspects for cold snow in the afternoons.
- Most major resorts stay open through March and well into April — several until early May.
Snow in March: what to expect
March sits at the turning point between winter and spring. In the valley towns — Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Briançon, Chamonix — you can get days touching 20°C. At resort altitude, 10–12°C is common, though it freezes again every night on the runs. Snow can also fall heavily in March — it remains a full winter month in meteorological terms.
The key variable is the gap between early and late March. Average maximum temperatures at Bourg-Saint-Maurice run at around 9°C in early March and nearly 14°C by the end of the month — a difference of nearly 5°C that has a significant effect on afternoon snow quality on south-facing slopes. On north-facing aspects, cold snow persists throughout the day even in late March.
March: the month with the deepest snowpack
Analysis of the last 20 years of snow records from Météo France confirms it: March is the month with the greatest snow depth across the French Alps. Snow has been building since December without significant melting. This is why March skiing is typically excellent across the board — you do not need to go especially high to find good conditions in the first half of the month.
The flip side: melting begins in March too. A warm spell can transform the snowpack quickly on lower and south-facing terrain. The charts below show actual snowpack data in the French Alps across a full spring season — note how March and April can surprise in either direction.
La Rosière case study: a spring of contrasts
Take the 2023 spring season at La Rosière as a prime example of a mild but exceptionally wet March. Météo France data shows that the snowpack depth didn’t actually decrease during March or April. Instead, it became highly volatile depending on sudden weather shifts. Frequent precipitation brought heavy fresh snow, which melted rapidly in the spring warmth. Ultimately, that particular season saw much better skiing conditions in April than in February.
Early, mid or late March: how to guarantee snow
Early March (1–14): conditions are typically fully wintry. The snowpack is at or near its seasonal maximum. You can ski confidently in almost any resort above 1,200 m. No need to restrict your choice to high-altitude domains.
Late March (15–31): longer days, stronger sun and the clocks going forward (France switches to summer time in late March) mean afternoon snow on sunny aspects can turn heavy and wet. To guarantee good skiing throughout the day in late March:
- Choose a high-altitude resort with a snow front above 1,800 m and a summit above 2,500 m.
- Prioritise north-facing runs, which retain cold, fast snow all day even in spring sunshine.
- Ski in the morning if you are at a lower or south-facing resort — conditions from 8am to midday are typically excellent even in late March.
Top 10 resorts for skiing in March
These ten resorts combine reliable snow depth, high altitude and good value after the February peak — not necessarily the cheapest, but the most snowsure.
1. Val d’Isère (1,800–3,220 m)
At the top of the Haute-Tarentaise valley, Val d’Isère sits at 1,800 m and links with Tignes to form the Espace Killy — one of the largest ski areas in the world, reaching 3,220 m. March skiing here is indistinguishable from midwinter in terms of snow quality. The resort typically closes in early May. One of the most popular destinations for British skiers in the Alps, with a lively après-ski scene and excellent off-piste terrain.
2. Tignes (2,100–3,456 m)
Val d’Isère’s neighbour in the Espace Killy, Tignes claims to offer skiing ten months of the year — and it is not far wrong. At 2,100 m base altitude with a glacier at 3,456 m, March at Tignes is full winter. The resort is particularly popular with British freestyle skiers and snowboarders (the snowpark is excellent) and with those seeking guaranteed snow. Closes early May along with Val d’Isère.
3. Val Thorens (2,100–3,230 m)
Europe’s highest ski resort and the highest point of the Three Valleys — the world’s largest linked ski area. At 2,100 m base altitude, Val Thorens guarantees snow from November to May. March here is identical to December or January in terms of conditions — but with more sunshine, longer days and significantly lower prices after the French school holidays. The entire 600 km Three Valleys domain is accessible from Val Thorens.
4. Les Deux Alpes (1,800–3,530 m)
One of the highest ski areas in the French Alps, Les Deux Alpes stretches from the village at 1,600 m to a glacier at 3,600 m. At this altitude, snow conditions in March are fully wintry throughout — at most, the lowest runs may soften slightly on sunny afternoons. A particularly good option for groups that include non-skiers, as the village is lively and well-served with restaurants and activities.
5. Alpe d’Huez (1,860–3,330 m)
Known as the “island of sunshine” for its exceptional solar exposure, Alpe d’Huez delivers outstanding March skiing despite its predominantly south-facing orientation. The combination of high altitude, excellent snowmaking and careful piste management means conditions remain very good throughout the month. Below 2,000 m, snow may soften in the afternoon on the sunniest slopes — but the light and atmosphere more than compensate. A firm favourite with British families and groups.
6. Montgenèvre (1,860–2,580 m)
Our pick for the Southern Alps in March. Montgenèvre sits on the French-Italian border, directly above Briançon, with its ski area sharing runs with the Italian Milky Way (Via Lattea) network — access to nearly 400 km of pistes in total. The village sits in full sun while the runs face north, giving the best of both worlds: warm terraces and cold snow. Prices are significantly lower than the major Three Valleys resorts, and the Southern Alps sunshine makes late March skiing particularly pleasurable here.
7. Valmeinier 1800 (1,800–2,750 m)
The best value pick in our March selection. Valmeinier links with Valloire to form a 160 km ski area, with the majority of runs above 2,000 m. After the French February school holidays, apartment prices drop to levels that represent exceptional value — a self-catered flat for four can be found for under €500 per week. Less well-known to British skiers than the major resorts, which means shorter queues and a more authentic atmosphere.
8. Serre Chevalier (1,400–2,775 m)
The major resort of the Briançon area in the Southern Alps, Serre Chevalier runs along the north-facing flank of the Lautaret valley — which means excellent snow preservation despite the southerly latitude. 250 km of runs, a genuine village atmosphere (the resort is actually a string of historic mountain villages) and good-quality chalets and hotels make it an outstanding March choice, particularly for those who want authentic Alpine character alongside reliable snow.
9. Avoriaz (1,800–2,280 m)
The highest resort in Haute-Savoie and one of the few genuinely car-free resorts in the Alps. Avoriaz sits at 1,800 m and connects directly into the Portes du Soleil — 600 km of runs crossing the French-Swiss border, making it one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. The architecture, clad entirely in larch wood, is unique. March skiing here benefits from excellent snow depth and the full Portes du Soleil network being open. Particularly good for families and those who want variety across borders.
10. Bonneval-sur-Arc (1,800–3,000 m)
One of the most beautiful villages in the French Alps and one of the most unspoilt ski resorts — a small domain reaching 3,000 m in a spectacular setting at the head of the Maurienne valley, close to the Italian border. Bonneval is the antithesis of the modern purpose-built resort: traditional stone and slate architecture, no noise, no crowds, exceptional mountain scenery. March skiing here — with the glacier runs open and the village at its quietest — is for those who want an experience rather than a product.
Also worth considering
La Rosière, La Norma, Val Cenis, Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, La Plagne, Les Contamines, Flaine and Vars all deliver excellent skiing in March. Even Chamonix — where natural snow at village level can be unreliable in March — offers exceptional high-altitude skiing on the Grands Montets and Brévent-Flégère domains, with spring light and near-certain blue skies.
Where to stay for a March ski holiday
March is the ideal time to upgrade your accommodation. Once the French school holidays end in mid-February, prices in hotels and self-catered apartments fall sharply — often by 30–50% compared to the February peak. A hotel that would cost €300 per night in February can frequently be found for €150–180 in mid-March. The resorts themselves are quieter, queues are shorter and the atmosphere more relaxed.
Hotels for a March ski break
March suits a 3–4 night break as well as a full week — the combination of lower prices and reliable conditions makes it easy to put together a last-minute trip. Some standout hotels for March skiing:
- Les Grandes Rousses, Alpe d’Huez — 5-star with one of the finest spas in the Alps and ski-in/ski-out access. Check availability →
- Rocky Pop, Chamonix / Flaine — contemporary 4-star, relaxed atmosphere, very good value. Check availability →
- Le Mil8, Avoriaz — ski-in/ski-out 4-star with an XXL spa and direct piste views. Check availability →
- Hôtel Tango, Val Thorens — well-designed 3-star in Europe’s highest resort, excellent value in March. Check availability →
- Le Grand Hôtel, Serre Chevalier — beautifully renovated 4-star, one of the finest addresses in the Southern Alps. Check availability →
- Le Totem, Flaine — an iconic hotel designed by Marcel Breuer, recently renovated, with direct piste and village access. Check availability →
FAQ — skiing in March in the French Alps
Almost any open French Alpine resort delivers good skiing in early March. For late March, focus on resorts above 1,800 m: Val Thorens, Les Arcs, Tignes, La Plagne, Isola 2000, Vars, La Rosière, Montgenèvre, Val d’Isère, Les Menuires, Avoriaz, Bonneval-sur-Arc, Alpe d’Huez and Valmeinier are all excellent choices.
In early March, a resort base above 1,500 m is sufficient thanks to the accumulated winter snowpack. For late March, aim for a resort with a summit above 2,500 m and a snow front (base village or lift station) above 1,800 m to guarantee ski-in/ski-out snow conditions to the end of the season.
March is arguably the best month for UK visitors. The French school holidays end in mid-February, so from mid-March onwards the resorts are quieter, queues are shorter and accommodation prices are 30–50% lower than in January or February. Snow depth is statistically at its maximum. Longer days and spring sunshine add to the experience. The main caveat is that late March requires a high-altitude resort choice for guaranteed cold snow in the afternoons.
After the French school holidays (mid-February), prices drop significantly across the board. The best value resorts for March include Valmeinier, Chamrousse, Saint-François-Longchamp, Aussois, Le Dévoluy and Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise — all above 1,800 m and all with good snow records. Self-catered apartments for four can be found for well under €500 per week from mid-March onwards.
Yes — cross-country skiing is possible throughout March, and the main Nordic domains are generally well-covered. The key is timing: ski in the morning (roughly 8am–11am) before the sun softens the snow. Good Nordic domains open in March include La Féclaz, Les Saisies, Bessans and the Confins area near La Clusaz. Most of these also have alpine skiing if you want to combine both.
👉 Read also: 15 highest ski resorts in the French Alps · 18 best value ski resorts in the French Alps · Best hotels in Chamonix